A new study has shown that a new experimental drug developed by AstraZeneca delays the progress of ovarian cancer significantly.
A new study which will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago next month has shown that a new experimental drug developed by AstraZeneca delays the progress of ovarian cancer significantly. Known as olaparib, the new drug almost doubled the progression free time of the cancer compared to a placebo in the phase II trial. Those women who were given 400 milligrams of olaparib twice a day saw their progression free time increase to 8.4 months before the cancer resurfaced compared to 4.8 months on a placebo.
Lead researcher Dr Jonathan Ledermann said that the drug will now undergo wider trials though he added that patients experienced side effects including nausea, fatigue, vomiting and anemia.
“A well-tolerated antitumor agent that could be used for months or perhaps years as maintenance therapy after standard chemotherapy could be a big step forward and ultimately extend survival”, Dr Ledermann added.
Source-Medindia